Dr Collins (pictured) has been elected unopposed to serve the next year as chair of the BMA’s Welsh council as David Bailey ends his five-year term.

Dr Collins will serve for one year, until the next Welsh council elections in 2023. She is the first woman to hold the post in the BMA’s history.

Dr Collins is a consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, and has been deputy chair of Welsh council since 2020.

On her appointment she said: 'I’m delighted to be entrusted with the role of BMA Welsh council chair for the next year. I’d like to thank the former chair, David Bailey for his dedication and commitment during his tenure.

'The profession is facing extraordinary challenges and I look forward to representing doctors and fighting for a better future for doctors and for patients.'

Dr Collins will take up her role at the end of July when Dr Bailey steps down.